Note: In all examples below, A and B are the same parts of speech.
NEITHER A NOR B:
Used in negative sense. The verb agrees with the noun that is closer to it.
Examples:
-
Neither Kelly nor Sarah likes dancing.
-
His car is neither fast nor reliable.
-
My grandpa neither reads nor watches television.
EITHER A OR B:
The verb agrees with the noun that is closer to it.
Examples:
-
Either you or Jenny has to bring the cake to the party.
-
Either John or his sister is going to pick me up from the airport.
-
I don't like either coffee or tea.
NOT ONLY A BUT ALSO B:
The verb agrees with the noun that is closer to it.
Examples:
-
Not only Tom but also his sister got a promotion at work.
-
I not only study hard but also participate in extracurricular activities.
-
She is interested in not only history but also art.
BOTH A AND B:
Verbs always take the plural forms.
Examples:
-
Both Jim and Ann are attending the conference.
-
Both Jack and his friends have completed the project.
-
He can speak both French and Italian.